Review: Captured

 

Title: Captured

Author: Lauren Biel

Release Date: April 2023

Love has never been enough within these walls

Alexzander

Every day feels the same. Beaten down, conditioned to hurt others, and unable to feel anything resembling love. My existence is a hollow shell of what it could be, until I find her.

The woman I capture turns my world upside down. She's unlike any victim I've taken before, and her will to survive leaves me intrigued. As I get to know her, I start to understand what's right and just how much of my life has been wrong. But I can't let her go, no matter how much I want to.

Ophelia's become my obsession, and I know that I'll do anything to keep her with me. Our bond is twisted and complicated, built on a foundation of captivity and control. It's not healthy, but I can't help how I feel. 

She's mine, and I won't let anyone take her away from me.

Trigger Warnings: All, honestly. But… Non con between mcs, heavy non con scenes/discussions/pasts, abuse, dateline level captivity, stockholm syndrome, mention of CA and CSA, Familial SA (side plot point), alcoholism/substance use, throat f*cking, skull f*cking (actually), a REPULSIVE brother captor, another female captive (minimal interaction, no cheating between MCs once FMC is taken), murder, cum jar, cum eating contest, suicide, trauma bonding, some stalking, making checkers WEIRD.

**IF NEVER LET GO WAS TOO DARK FOR YOU, SKIP THIS!!*

Captured is a dual POV dark horror romance standalone novel with an HEA

Ophelia lives in hell every day. But what she didn't expect is her life to shift from one hell to another. 

Alexzander grew up under the devil. He was a demon, and was the source of nightmares for many. 

And when Alexzander lays his eyes on Ophelia, he wants her for himself. And will stop at nothing until she is his. 

So, this book was relatively short- I finished it within a few hours. It was dark, but not as bad as others have made it seem- either that or I am starting to become desensitized towards dark topics - but either way heed the trigger warnings before starting this one. 

Ophelia & Alexzander's story is unconventional - she is his captive, in a hell where no one before her has survived. But, something about her, calls to him. 

Although I didn't love this story, something about it felt lacking, I did enjoy reading about Ophelia & Alexzander. And I finished this book despite being in a reading slump for the past week, which might have more to do with my thoughts on the book, than the book itself. 

If you're looking for a captive romance filled with trigger warnings than this may be exactly what you are looking for. 

3⭐ out of 5⭐. 

4🌶️ out of 5🌶️. - detailed scenes throughout including kinks, dirty talk, etc

Tropes: 

→ noncon 

→ captivity

→ horror romance 

→ stockhome syndrome 

→ unalivers 💀

Trigger Warnings

Review: Love Songs Suck

 

Title: Love Song Suck

Author: Becky Monson

Release Date: April 2023

A reluctant woman, a determined popstar, and the song that started it all.

After growing up in Nashville with two musician parents, I promised myself one thing—I would never, ever fall in love with anyone who had anything to do with the music scene. I will take my stable, albeit boring, accountant boyfriend, thank you very much, and live securely ever after. At least that was the plan. Who knew one ridiculous party where boy band sensation Finn Thatcher showed up would turn my life completely upside down.

How dare he write a song about me. A song that went straight to number one. A song that messes everything up with his band. And who gets the blame for that? That’s right, me. I’m the new Yoko Ono. The only way to fix it is to, well . . . give the world what it wants—a love story. We are talking the whole freaking fairy tale. Nothing says true love like a fake relationship. But what if it’s not so fake? What if I want the happily ever after? Or am I just another love song to Finn?

Lou grew up in Nashville with two parents who wanted to be famous. So she knew exactly what she wanted in life- stability, and peace. She didn't want the fame, or the paparazzi or any of the headaches that come with it. So her engagement to her somewhat boring accountant boyfriend was exactly what she wanted. 

Until she met Finn Thatcher- famous pop star who wrote a song inspired by their chance meeting. He was gorgeous and talented and not at all like most musicians that Lou knew. When word got out she was the inspiration for the song, it sent Lou's quiet, peaceful life into a tailspin. 

And the only way to help get everything under control? Fake-date the celebrity who started it all. 

This was a cute and sweet rom-com, that I needed after my last read. I enjoyed the easy read, and the cute characters. It was sweet (& clean). It was a fake relationship, forced proximity trope with him falling first. I was mostly invested in the story waiting for Finn & Lou to (finally) get together, because it seemed to take forever! But overall I enjoyed the cute story. 

3.5⭐ out of 5⭐. 

1🌶️ out of 5🌶️. 

Review: Almost Duet

 

Title: Almost Him

Series: Almost Duet

Author: S.M. Shade

Release Date: January 2023

"Sometimes, hope holds us by the throat."

We were teenagers the first time Alden Stokes climbed through my bedroom window.

He was the first boy to hold my hand.

He was my first kiss.

He was my first everything.

The tumultuous years made us into adults while circumstances pushed us apart. Now I've found my way back to the only man I've ever loved.

And I won't let him go.

Oh my God where do I even begin?! 

When they were kids the first boy to hold Ella's hand was Alden. He was her first kiss, first everything. But life pushed them apart. But they found their way back together- and Ella won't let him go. But what if life has other plans? 

Reading the first half of the book was so sweet and cute. I was giddy and loved every second of it. But about halfway through, I started to feel dread. I didn't know if I was pre-mad, or pre-sad but I figured the characters were happy too long and something was bound to happen. And boy did it ever. 

This book starts off as cute friends to lovers, but as it progresses the angst hits out of no where and it becomes a wild turbulent ride and you have no idea which way is up or down anymore. I sobbed. But the story goes on, much like life, and all you had to hold onto was hope that things would get better. I couldn't wait to continue the story and find out the answers I was looking for. 5⭐ out of 5⭐

3🌶️ out of 5🌶️. 

Title: Almost Us

Series: Almost Duet

Author: S.M. Shade

Release Date: January 2023

"Strip everything away from us and love is what’s left. It’s what we get to keep."

We thought things couldn't get worse but the passing days proved us wrong.

I could handle the public backlash and the cops at my door. 

I could handle the doubt and disbelief of our friends. As long as we were together, I thought I could handle anything.

As the threats loomed closer, our days together dwindled away. After losing everything that mattered to me, I had to ask myself how much sacrifice was too much?

How far would I go for him?

Seriously? This story gripped me by the throat & held on until the end! 

Their lives go from one crazy event to the next, without breathing room. And when they couldn't think life could get worse, it does. But how much would they sacrifice for one another? 

This book picks up where book 1 ends & you get some of the answers throughout that you were looking for after book 1. When their life is getting crazy the only thing they can hold onto is each other & hope for a better tomorrow. It was an amazing story with angst and drama. And I loved seeing the characters get the HEA they worked so hard to earn. The story ties up nicely, but may leave you with a touch of doubt or a question or two (which is intended no doubt). It was an amazing story, and I regret waiting so long to have finally read it, but I enjoyed every crazy minute of it. 

5⭐ out of 5⭐. 

3🌶️ out of 5🌶️. 

Trigger Warnings

Review: Still Beating

 

Title: Still Beating 

Author: Jennifer Hartmann 

Release Date: December 2020

WARNING: This is a dark romance. This book contains subject matter that may be sensitive for some readers, including rape, as well as strong language and explicit sex. 18+ only. Please read responsibly. 

When Cora attends her sister’s birthday party, she expects at most a hangover or a walk of shame. She doesn’t anticipate a stolen wallet, leaving her stranded and dependent on Dean—her arch nemesis and ultimate thorn in her side. 

And she really doesn’t anticipate waking up in shackles in a madman’s basement.

To make matters worse, Dean shares the space in his own set of chains.

After fifteen years of teasing, insults, and practical jokes, the ultimate joke seems to be on them. The two people who always thought they’d end up killing each other must now work together if they want to survive.

But Cora and Dean have no idea their abductor has a plan for them. A plan that will alter the course of their relationship, blur the line between hate and love, and shackle them together with far more than just chains.

Still Beating follows there story of Dean & Cora as they navigate through being enemies to something more. 

Dean is engaged to Cora's sister Mandy, on the faithful night Cora calls him for a ride home from the bar. Cora and Dean prank, and tease and bicker one another, but when Dean shows up to help Cora out, everything between them changes in a blink of an eye. 

They wake up chained in a basement together, now having to rely on one another to survive. But as the hours turn to days & the horrors of that dark basement transpire, the lines between them being enemies begin to blur. 

This was a dark, emotional but beautiful story of Dean & Cora relying on each other to survive. It may have been dark, twisted and dirty, but it was emotional, raw & there was beauty in characters coming together after experiencing the horrors & near tragedy that they survived. 

4⭐ out of 5⭐. 

4🌶️ out of 5🌶️. 

Trigger Warnings: NatashaReadsBooks: Trigger Warnings (www.natashareadsbooksbookblog.blogspot.com)

Review: Hate Me

 

Title: Hate Me

Series: Black Mountain Academy novel

Author: Ashley Jade 

Release Date: January 2021

A Stepbrother Bully Romance

I'm the whispers in the dark you can't ignore.
The bully you can't run away from.

I'm the tormentor who makes your life a living hell.

The villain you love to hate.

I'm the vicious stepbrother sleeping in the next room.

The one who knows all your secrets.

And I'll stop at nothing to make you pay.

WARNING: This book is recommended for mature readers due to graphic language, sexual content, and dark elements.

Knox has hated Aspen since he first laid eyes on her as kids. And when she showed up at the same high school has him, he bullied her whenever he could. But when her mother married his father, the bully now became the step brother, living in the same house. He learned her secrets, and used them against her whenever given the chance. But there was more to Knox then what met the eye, and Aspen was determined to learn his secrets as well. 

So I love a good bully romance & step brother romance & figured I'd finally read Hate Me that's been on my TBR since for ever 😂😂. 

And I enjoyed Knox & Aspens story. Knox was cruel, he kept everyone at a distance. 

Aspen was sweet & innocent & everything Knox despised - but she had secrets too. And Knox was determined to uncover them all. 

They hated one another. But that hate gave way to lust. But nothing could come of it, since there was a threat willing to tear them apart. 

If you love bully romance & step brother romance you should definitely pick up Hate Me, such a good read! 

4⭐ out of 5⭐. 

2🌶️ out of 5🌶️. 

Trigger Warnings: NatashaReadsBooks: Trigger Warnings (www.natashareadsbooksbookblog.blogspot.com)

Review: Faking With Benefits

 

Title: Faking With Benefits 

Author: Lily Gold

Release Date: December 2021

WANTED: Three fake boyfriends. Must be tall, ripped — and willing to teach me how to kiss.

My name is Layla Thompson, and I am undateable.

Seriously. I’m twenty-eight and I’ve never had a boyfriend. And with my thirties rapidly approaching, I’m starting to lose patience.

Lucky for me, I have three overprotective best friends who are all-too-eager to help hone my dating skills.

There’s Zack, the huge rugby player with the cheeky grin and rippling biceps.

Josh, the boy-next-door with the sculpted jaw and calculating stare.

And Luke, the silver-haired divorcee… who also happens to be my old professor.

After a bad date leaves me crying on their shoulders, the three men are determined to help me find a guy. Together, they agree to be my ‘practice boyfriends’, and come up with a lesson plan packed with fake dates, make out sessions, and classes on flirty texting. In return, I just have to make an appearance on their relationship advice podcast once a week. Easy.

But as my lessons become more and more intense, we soon find ourselves getting in too deep. Every butterfly-inducing touch lingers a little too long, and every molten kiss ends in fireworks. It’s not long before I realise that their friendship isn’t enough for me anymore. I want more.

The guys have been teaching me how to get a boyfriend, and now it’s time I put their lessons to the test.

Three times over.

Faking With Benefits is a sizzling fake dating romance featuring multiple love interests, tons of molten fake relationship heat, and a whole lot of heart. No cheating, and an ultra-sweet HEA guaranteed!

Layla Thompson's latest date fled through a bathroom window, which led her to crying to her three best friends about it. Luke, Zack & Josh came up with a plan. They would help teach Layla how to flirt, date, text and more in exchange for her coming on their podcast once a week. The only stipulation is no feelings. So what happens when friendship between them just isn't enough anymore. 

So I love a good romcom to read between my heavy and dark reads, and love a good reverse harem so I figured I would give this one a try. 

This was a good read that had me smiling throughout & loving all the cute and weird nicknames Zack was giving to Layla. 

And even though it was more than just a funny book - with a little emotion thrown it, over all I enjoyed it. 

If you like friends to lovers or fake dating tropes & reverse harem then this may be the book for you.

 4 ⭐ out of 5 ⭐. 

3🌶️ out of 5🌶️. 

Review: Unbroken Bonds

 

Title: Unbroken Bonds

Series: The Bonds That Tie series

Author: J. Bree

Release Date: October 2022

The gods live among us.

I thought that the death of the man who tortured me, broke me, and then hunted me to the ends of the Earth would be the end of our fight; but it’s only the beginning.

After thousands of years of being apart, our god bonds are reunited once again; and they’re not ready to go down without a fight.

They’ve woken up hungry.

All of the research in the world couldn’t have prepared us for what’s to come, enemies and wars fought over millennia. Now we’re being forced to act, but this time, we have the advantage.

This time, we’re Bonded.

Are we strong enough to survive the gods and their plans? Will we ever live in the peaceful world we’ve fought so hard for, or is history doomed to repeat itself?

*Unbroken Bonds is a full-length reverse harem PNR novel with material that may be difficult for some readers. This book is the final installment and will not end on a cliffhanger. It's recommended for 18+ due to language and sexual situations. Book 6 in the 6 book series.

Are Oli and her Bonded strong enough to face off against the gods who walk the earth, or are they doomed to repeat history? 

This is the conclusion of Oli & her Bonded's story, as they fight to bring a more peaceful world, not only for themselves but for those around them. 

And even though I wasn't completely enraptured and obsessed with this book as I had been with the series up until now, I was content- happy at the ending that these characters got. And although I didn't love this book ad much as the others, whether that was because I wasn't as emotionally invested, or bc I was just so drained from binging the series back to back, I did love these characters, their journey and the story. 

4⭐ out of 5⭐. 

4🌶️ out of 5🌶️. 

Trigger Warnings: NatashaReadsBooks: Trigger Warnings (www.natashareadsbooksbookblog.blogspot.com)

Review: Tragic Bonds

 

Title: Tragic Bonds 

Series: The Bonds That Tie series

Author: J. Bree

Release Date: June 2022

Nothing will ever be the same again.

Our Bonded Group has been torn apart, and the monsters are now the prey.
But we’re not going to just wait around for our enemy to strike; the blood on his hands is unforgivable, and the god living inside of me wants her revenge paid in blood.

And a thousand souls.

We have been pushed to the limit, tested in ways that have devastating outcomes, and paid the ultimate price. Can we recover from such losses? Is the promise of a world without our enemy worth the sacrifices we’ve made?

Can we prove to everyone, and ourselves, that together our bonds are unbroken?

*Tragic Bonds is a full-length reverse harem PNR novel with material that may be difficult for some readers. This book will end on a cliffhanger. It's recommended for 18+ due to language and sexual situations.

Oli and her bonded has been torn apart and faced way more horrors and tragedy in not only their own personal lives, but together too but the war is far from over. Can Oli and her bonded defeat their enemies or will their sacrifices still end result in devastation, not just for themselves but for the rest of the world as well? 

I don't even know what to say. After the ending of the last book, I was devastated. Don't get me wrong, there was some hope that I held on to, but I had to wallow in my sadness, crying myself to sleep. Then woke up to get back into it. And I cried some more. It got better, and easier & I found out answers to things that I wanted to know since the very beginning. And I can still say, Nox is still my favorite. Despite everything, or because of everything. 

I have been loving this series, and these characters. The emotions, story & the character growth. & I cannot wait to see what happens next. 

5⭐ out of 5⭐. 

4🌶️ out of 5🌶️. 

Trigger Warnings: NatashaReadsBooks: Trigger Warnings (www.natashareadsbooksbookblog.blogspot.com)

Review: Forced Bonds

 

Title: Forced Bonds

Series: The Bonds That Tie series

Author: J. Bree

Release Date: March 2022

They say to keep your friends close but your enemies closer;

What if they’re one and the same?

The stable foundation I thought I’d built in the Sanctuary has been ripped away, and I find myself on the front lines of the war against the Resistance. I might have my Bonds on my side, but there are darker schemes in motion.

Can I prove myself and turn the tide to protect our most vulnerable, or am I nothing more than the monster they’ve always claimed I am?

Will we make it out of this without tragic consequences?

*Forced Bonds is a full length reverse harem PNR novel with material that may be difficult for some readers. This book will end on a cliffhanger. It's recommended for 18+ due to language and sexual situations.

I. Am. Not. Happy. 

I just finished and I am sobbing. 

I don't even know what to say. 

I was exhausted before finishing the book, having stayed up days reading the series with very little sleep, but now I'm also emotionally exhausted as well. I need absolutely need to continue to know what happens. I need answers ... I need... To know. But I also need a break too, so I'm lost and don't know what to do. 

But this book picks up with Oli as she continues to bond with each of her Bonds & also deal with her enemies & keeping her found family safe, which is easier said then done, especially when they hit a little close to home. 

I love this story and these characters - and Nox is still my favorite, even though he's the one we know the least about. Even though he's the one who has been the worst towards Oli through it all. I have a tendency to fall for the broken guys, their trauma calling to me, embedding themselves in my heart. The ones who need the love the most. And Nox is no different. 

I should have taken the warnings. The build up and the clues. I should have stopped reading during the calmness before the storm. Because that ending destroyed me. I love books that can make me feel, and this one- especially the ending - definitely delivered. I need my answers -and more from these characters.  

5⭐ out of 5⭐. 

4🌶️ out of 5🌶️. 

Trigger Warnings: NatashaReadsBooks: Trigger Warnings (www.natadhareadsbooksbookblog.blogspot.com)

Review: Blood Bonds

 

Title: Blood Bonds

Series: The Bonds That Tie series

Author: J. Bree

Release Date: December 2021

After three years on the run, I’m back in a Resistance camp, chained to a chair as the resident monster.

Everything I ran from, all of the villains of my past, they’re all here to take another bite out of me. But this time, I’m not alone.

With my Bonds desperately trying to reach me and new friendships I never expected, I start to believe that maybe I won't become the weapon they want me to be. Maybe I’ll be a monster of my own creation.

When loyalties are questioned and Bonds are tested, everything I thought I knew gets turned upside down. Who are my friends, and who are my enemies?

Are Bond ties stronger than blood?

*Blood Bonds is a full length reverse harem PNR novel with material that may be difficult for some readers. This book will end on a cliffhanger. It's recommended for 18+ due to language and sexual situations.

When Oli's past comes to try and claim her again, she isn't alone. Her Bonds will stop at nothing to protect her, and she has friends- a family she made that she never expected. But loyalties will be tested and everything she thought she knew may be turned upside down. 

So how the heck do people handle cliffhangers? Like it's nawing feeling inside my head demanding answers and this wasn't even that bad. I haven't slept in days already bc I have been reading these books back to back already 😂😂 

But anyways, I am still loving this story and these characters. I love the possessiveness & protectiveness from Oli's bonds - but, I am still firmly team Nox and that doesn't look like it will change. 

The stories are quick paced, and fast reads. Some things I'm still a little confused on but it's not as bad as it was. 

As always, I need answers. And definitely need more of Nox. 

4.5 ⭐ out of 5⭐. 

3🌶️ out of 5🌶️. 

Trigger Warnings: NatashaReadsBooks: Trigger Warnings (www.natashareadsbooksbookblog.blogspot.com)

Review: Savage Bonds

 

Title: Savage Bonds

Series: The Bonds That Tie series

Author: J. Bree

Release Date: September 2021

With my gift coursing through my veins, the tables have turned on the Draven Campus.

I’m no longer the Giftless reject, no longer the girl who’s fair game to the other students for daring to run away from my Bonds.

But there are bigger problems heading my way.

With destiny pushing me closer and closer to each of my Bonds, I’m fighting tooth and nail against nature to keep my distance.

But they’re fighting harder to keep me in their grasp.

When it becomes clear that the Resistance is closer than we ever thought, I don’t know who I can trust.

Can I finally take control of my gift, or will it take control of me?

*Savage Bonds is a full length reverse harem PNR novel with material that may be difficult for some readers. This book will end on a cliffhanger. It's recommended for 18+ due to language and sexual situations.

What in the holy cheeseballs batman did I just read?! 

I am currently losing my FREAKIN mind right now and I need to know what happens next okay 😂😂

Oli's gift has come out to play, and she is making progress with her Bonded group, if only so she doesn't go nuclear and destroy the city. But she isn't the only threat. The resistance is out to kidnap the gifted for their own gain. 

So it's the middle of the night, but I want to scream bc of that cliffhanger. I won't be able to sleep until I get answers but I don't know how much later I can stay awake 😂😂

Although I do still feel like I'm missing information (seriously, was their a prequel series that I missed?) & Still am trying to piece together what I know, I am definitely enjoying the story & characters. I need to know how the story ends, and get all the answers to my burning questions. 

Also, I think Nox might be my favorite. Maybe it's bc we know the least about him but something about him just draws me in. But I am loving all the characters & cannot wait to learn more about each of them. These books are insanely addicting & I'm just eating them up. 

4.5 ⭐ out of 5⭐. 

3🌶️ out of 5🌶️. 

Trigger Warnings: NatashaReadsBooks: Trigger Warnings (www.natadhareadsbooksbookblog.blogspot.com)

Review: Broken Bonds

 

Title: Broken Bonds

Series: The Bonds That Tie 

Author: J. Bree

Release Date: June 2021

After the death of my mother and her Bonded, I was relieved to find my own Bonds.

I was sure everything would be okay if I had them.

It wasn’t.

The fate of our people is in my hands and I know we’re better off if I’m alone.

After five years on the run, I’m caught and dragged back to face the men I ran away from.

I thought I was doing the right thing.

Now, I’m not so sure.

North, Nox, Gryphon, Atlas, and Gabe may never forgive me but one thing is for sure.

I won’t ever forgive myself.

*Broken Bonds is a full length reverse harem PNR novel with material that may be difficult for some readers. This book will end on a cliffhanger. It's recommended for 18+ due to language and sexual situations.

After five years being on the run, Oleander was caught and brought back to the men she ran away from. Her Bonds North, Nox, Atlas Gryphon and Gabe may never forgive her. But that's okay, because she won't forgive herself either. 

But when trouble is lurking just around the corner, Oli has to decide if sharing the details with her Bonds may just get them all killed in the end. 

So, I fell into this story, and loving it. It starts off slow, and builds up to more as you meet each of the characters- Oli, her Bonds and the friends she makes on the way. But I'm also left feeling a little lost and confused too, as if I'm missing something. A chapter or prequel of what might have happened (& hoping that within the following books it's cleared up). Either way, I am loving the story and characters & cant wait to learn more about each of them in turn. I don't know enough yet about any of them to have a favorite, but it won't be long before I do. 

This book is a paranormal RH/why choose romance & an intro into the world with the gifted- those who have magic & non-gifted- the humans who coexist with them, and the Bonds- which are who are fated to be together. And the Resistance, those who are against the gifted. 

It was a quick read & I cannot wait to read more from this series & see what happens next. 

4⭐ out of 5⭐. 

3🌶️ out of 5🌶️. 

Trigger Warnings: NatashaReadsBooks: Trigger Warnings (www.natadhareadsbooksbookblog.blogspot.com)

Review: The Sacrifice

 

Title: The Sacrifice

Series: a Lords novel 

Author: Shantel Tessier 

Release Date: April 6

HIS LADY

A Lord is to marry after he graduates from Barrington University, an elite college for the rich. A Lady’s job is to help him fit into a world unaware of his secret society. The Lord does not get to choose who he spends the rest of his life with. But there is always an exception to the rule. And I just so happen to be his.

I VOW. YOU VOW. WE VOW.

I was to wed a Lord of my parents’ choosing. Wealth can’t buy you everything, or I would have had freedom years ago. Instead, my strict parents made sure I lived a dull life in a mansion resembling a prison.

But on my wedding day, I was handed over to another man—an even more ruthless Lord that my family hated.

Tyson Riley Crawford only wanted me for his revenge. I’m nothing more than a debt to be paid. I didn’t have a say in the matter. So when I said my vows before the congregation, I knew I’d break them. Consequences be damned.

Too bad I underestimated my husband and didn’t realize he was more determined to punish me than I was to succeed at escaping. He’ll make me choke on those words I used to bind myself to him.

Yet even he couldn’t have seen what our future held. Ultimately, we’re all just pawns in a game that none of us can win unless you’re willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice … and even that may not be enough.

Tyson Crawford is a Lord who lost everything, and is out for revenge on the one responsible. And he will stop at nothing to get it. Laikyn was arranged to marry one Lord, until Tyson hijacked the wedding, and became her groom. 

You do not have to read the other Lords books to read this one. This is a standalone, that ties in with the other books. 

Secret societies, the dark & depraved underbelly of the city & characters who bring the heat. It will have you on the edge of your seat & gasping for breath. 

Tyson Crawford is willing to go to any lengths to get what he wants and his eyes are set on Laikyn. 

Just like the other Lords books, this is deliciously dark and sinfully hot. I love these books, this world and these characters. 

4.5 ⭐ out of 5⭐. 

5🌶️ out of 5🌶️. 

Trigger Warnings: NatashaReadsBooks: Trigger Warnings (www.natadhareadsbooksbookblog.blogspot.com)

Review: The Awakening: As Told By The Boys

 

Title: The Awakening: As Told By The Boys

Series: Zodiac Academy 

Authors: Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti

Release Date: August 2021

**This is a retelling of book 1 of Zodiac Academy from the perspective of Orion, Darius, Caleb, Seth and Max**

The Vega twins are alive.

Those five words circle in my mind like an oncoming storm. They change everything about the future we thought had been set in stone. They challenge everything we were raised to be and the stability of the entire kingdom.

They’re coming to our academy looking for the life that was stolen from them, but we can’t let them take it back.

So much hangs in the balance and we can’t risk the arrival of two naïve princesses destroying everything we worked so hard for.

I have trained in dark magic, overcome all challenges and stood in the shadow of Lionel Acrux for far too long already. I won’t let them come between me and his downfall.

Which means they have to go before they discover how powerful they truly are.

This is a retelling of the first book in the Zodiac Academy series from the point of view of Orion and the Heirs and should be read after you have finished the original story. It includes scenes from alternative points of view as well over 50k words of additional content and scenes which have never before been revealed. So prepare to step into the dark minds of the Zodiac boys and watch out for the heartbreak and carnage that will ensue.

So, even though this book is the Awakening but in the Boys point of view, for your first read of the series, it shouldn't be read with book 1 not immediately after, so it doesn't give anything away. 

It follows the story of the Awakening but with the point of view of Orion & the Heirs, & you find out what goes on behind the scenes of the Heirs & their thoughts on the arrival of the Vega twins, and how they plan to make the twins leave before they realize how powerful they truly are. 

I enjoyed this book- usually I love getting into the heads of the males pov's & seeing everything that goes on, and I'd love more from their povs, but was a great read. I was hoping for more of Max's pov (honestly, I don't know why bc he isn't my favorite character by any means, but I noticed the lack of his pov while reading and that stuck with me until we got his). Either way, this was a great read & I loved getting a glimpse into the Heirs & Orion's head. 

4 ⭐ out of 5⭐. 

2🌶️ out of 5🌶️. 

Trigger Warnings: NatashaReadsBooks: Trigger Warnings (www.natadhareadsbooksbookblog.blogspot.com)